A BEAN FOR EVERY GARDEN

You'll be amazed at just how many varieties of French beans there are, both old and new. Rob Smith takes us on a tour of some of his favourites

- Rob Smith

French beans, the unsung heroes of the vegetable world, are a practical choice for any gardener who is looking to maximise their space and enjoy a tasty crop during the summer months. Also known as 'green beans' or 'string beans' (even though the more modern ones are completely stringless), they can be found in pretty much every allotment and back garden, in one form or another.

As straightforward as they are versatile, these beans come in two forms: the lofty climbers and the compact dwarfs. Climbers will need the support of canes or netting and will reward you with a steady supply of beans over several months, while dwarf varieties are perfect for squeezing into those spare corners of your garden or even greenhouse, offering a quick and generous yield; and by successionally sowing dwarf beans up until July, you will have plenty to plug gaps.

Both types of French beans are a boon for the gardener. As they are self-fertile and less dependent on the vagaries of the British weather, you are sure to get a decent crop compared with runner beans, which can drop their flowers in hotter, dry weather. This makes them ideal for the controlled conditions of a greenhouse or polytunnel, allowing for an earlier start, or extended season, as long as you're past the last frost.

GROWING CONDITIONS

To set your plants up for success, they crave full sun and thrive in soil that's rich and fertile, so before sowing or planting, work plenty of home-made compost into the soil this is your secret to a successful crop.

You can even dig a hole in autumn where you are to grow your beans, then keep adding kitchen scraps over the winter, producing a mound of fresh compost the plants will love for both the nutrients and water retaining capacity.